Syracuse turns down 2 percent tax increase

SYRACUSE (Deseret News) — Agreeing with the 100 percent opposition that surfaced during a public hearing, the Syracuse City Council voted down a proposed 20 percent property-tax increase Tuesday night.

The tax increase was designed to put $304,660 into the city's reserves, which currently only carry the state-mandated minimum balance of 5 percent of the city's general fund, or $290,000, said Syracuse finance director, LaMar Holt.

The average home in Syracuse valued at $258,000 will be charged $228.88 per year instead of $274.71 per year with a tax increase.

The sinking economy has meant a severe drop in sales-tax revenue and budget cuts in Syracuse.